Chest cold: How to treat it? Acute bronchitis remedies

Discover if your symptoms indicate a cold in your chest and find the remedies

Are there different kinds of colds, or is it all the same illness? There are, in fact, many different “brands” of the common cold, all caused by different viruses and often affecting patients in different ways. Here we take a look at a kind of cold called a chest cold - its symptoms, causes, and treatment.

What is a chest cold?

The term chest cold is actually used in reference to an illness called acute bronchitis. This is a potentially serious condition in which a respiratory tract infection spreads to the lungs, causing inflammation of the bronchial tubes. This swelling comes in concert with mucus production, causing the patient to cough and feel pressure or soreness of the chest. In most cases, a chest cold is caused by one of many different kinds of viruses including the cold virus or influenza virus. It is also possible, however, for a chest cold to occur as a result of bacteria or airborne pollutants. Chest colds are most common in groups of people whose immune function may be compromised, including babies, young children, and older adults.

Signs and symptoms of chest cold

Frequent cough that produces mucus, especially 3-4 days after you symptoms begin

Chest pain, pressure or soreness

Extreme fatigue and lack of energy

Mild persistent headache

Body aches

A fever of under 102°F

Watery eyes

Sore throat

Wheezing or difficulty breathing

Treatment and relief

The most important part of treating a chest cold is relieving your symptoms and preventing a worsening of your condition, which could lead to pneumonia or pertussis (whooping cough). For healthy adults and children, treatment for a chest cold can usually take place in bed at home, while infants and the elderly may need to be hospitalized.

Here are the best ways to alleviate your chest cold symptoms:

Get some rest

Keep your body’s energy reserved as much as possible for fighting your infection by keeping warm and rested. Make sure you’re bundled up and avoid physical exertion. When you do sleep, try propping up your head, or even your whole upper body, in bed, to help relieve nasal congestion. Take time off from your exercise routine to let you body use its energy on fighting your chest cold.

Try a salt gargle

To ease the pain of a scratchy or sore throat, mix up a half-teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 10 seconds. Repeat as necessary.

Stay hydrated

This is an important measure to take when fighting a chest cold, and is also one of the simplest. Consuming adequate liquids is essential to fending off the sickness, so be sure to drink no less than ten eight-ounce glasses of fluids each day. Some great ways to get in those fluids include: diluted juice, hot water with lemon and honey, herbal teas and ginger ale. Chicken soup or broth, is another great way to hydrate and hot liquids also help relieve nasal congestion.

Drinks to avoid include coffee, black tea, caffeinated soft drinks and alcohol. These drinks, especially in excess, will act as diuretics and dehydrate you. However, a single shot of whiskey or tequila with hot water, honey and lemon can be helpful at bedtime.

Prevention

Luckily, there are ways that you can avoid contracting a chest cold. Here are the most effective ways to stay away from one:

Do not smoke or spend time exposed to secondhand smoke

Keep hands washed, and away from your face

Stay current with all recommended immunizations for you and your children